Using the Test All Valves feature on a sprinkler timer

Step by step instructions for using the Test All Valves feature on a lawn sprinkler controller.

Test All Valves is a feature on newer timers that allows you to test all of the stations on a sprinkler system in sequence regardless of what program they are on in one step. Note: Only valves/stations with non-zero watering times will run with this feature. Test default run time in minutes for the valves can changed to any number desired before running the test.

In this video I demonstrate the Test All Valves feature using a Rain Bird ESP Series 4MI indoor modular controller.

[wendy]

This video was a great help ~ I didn't know where each zone was. Your testing tutorial was great!!!! Thanks!!

[bigbird]

Great video, I was trying to single out a valve and this video was perfect for helping me find it. Great vid!!!

[AlabanzasyAdoración]

Everything looks ok on the screen but the sprinklers won't start, any advise what could be happening? Thanks in advance for your help and thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[aparnaganapati]

My Rainbird system stopped working for 3 zones recently. When I tried to test the watering time on for those zones, it says "No Mode 1". What does it mean? Do you have any tips on troubleshooting this issue?

[jonhogue]

When I try to test all valves and press the manual start, I don’t get any message and the time just starts flashing. I cannot get any of the zones to turn on. Any advice?

[juliegindlesperger]

I am trying to find a leak in our system because the water is running at low rate continuously even when rainbird system (same you’ve shown) is off. I had to turn off the water at the main valve, because even with the rainbird switched to OFF, the water meter was slowly moving showing usage. No visible water present or super soppy area in the zones that I could find. I’m thinking a valve is not closing entirely? Maybe solenoid stuck or debris? Any thoughts?

[sacdigitaldesignweb]

When I tested all valves and press the manual start, I get blinking messes “ 1 err” “2 err” then 3 with the program A and the time as 1 min. But nothing starts. Any advice?

[SunnyKim]

I am following your direction. When i press manual start, no ‘active valves’ sign popped up. It is same as before. Just keep saying test and blinking min. Can you pleas help me?

[erictyler]

My rain bird system is off but my sprinklers will still shoot out 2 of the 4 stations that I have set up. It's the first time I have turned it on this year. What should I be replacing or checking?

[motionman]

I love all your videos! I noticed on my RB ESP Test all valves when I select the Manual Start button it goes right into testing the valves. I get no "Valves Active" message. Nor do I have to set the dial to auto. It just goes. Is that normal? I have the same controller.

[joesmith]

I have the same controller and when I test voltages, I'm getting voltages (27-29v) on all zone wires. I am running it manually and it doesn't matter which zone I advance to, there is still voltages on all 7 zone wires at once. Bad controller?

[johnpowers]

I have a Rain Bird ESP Modular Controller like this and I am looking for the pinout on the remote port so I can do some home automation. Do you know where I can find it. I have looked everywhere.

[Kezaira]

What about when it says valve active and won’t start test and none of the sprinklers are running?

[TheChevymanstruck]

I tested all valves doing this and now it won't turn off.. I unplugged the AC, and turned off the main water line.. waited a for 2 hours and turn on main water line, plugged back in the AC. all valves stay open now that are all stuck open

[robertrigsbee]

Zone 1 on my rain Byrd will not let me get rid of second setting at the bottom so it turns o n twice a day.Don't want to run everyday but can't get it off every

[DANIELLOPEZ-cegu]

My rain bird reads off even when plugged in. what can be the cause of this???when i replaced solenoids and plugged in smoke came out of timer

[johnkosheluk]

Hi kerry when will u post new videos on u tube

[glazierEd]

My alarm light is on, and it's acting wonky

[miranda]

Test all valves function works but when I set a timer for the sprinklers to turn on auto they don’t turn on? What’s the issue?